Review: Ely Sinfonia at Ely Cathedral

By Rosemary Westwell

Under the excellent directorship of Steve Bingham, Ely Sinfonia gave a magnificent concert of English music.

The pieces performed were Peterloo Overture by Matthew Arnold, Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis by Ralph Vaughan Williams and Symphony no 1 by Edward Elgar.

This concert was a mammoth task for this fine orchestra.

Under the baton of Steve Bingham, the strong warm resonance of the strings was beautifully exploited. Phrasing was particularly expressive so that we remained transfixed.

The story of the battle for democracy in Peterloo Overture was vibrant, realistic and left little to the imagination as tremendous rallies from the drums and tense, discordant orchestral episodes brought to life the horror of the Peterloo massacre on our own soil when innocent unarmed citizens were slaughtered.

This was contrasted by the warmth and calmness of the orchestra before and after the terrible event signifying the eventual success of democracy.

It is no surprise that Matthew Arnold was known for his film music including The Bridge Over the River Kwai and The Inn of the Sith Happiness.

Fantasia on a Theme by Thomas Tallis is a well-known work that continues to inspire us with its ethereal magic.

Ancient harmonies were used that made the sound feel unresolved and kept us involved in its mesmerising movement.

Changes in texture were subtly created with the interwoven music between the full string orchestra, a smaller ‘echo’ orchestra and a string quartet.

Throughout, the memorable character of Ralph Vaughan William’s unique spacious harmonies in the strings were ever-present and hypnotic.

Elgar’s first symphony was demanding work that these excellent musicians mastered magnificently.

The variety of expression involved was phenomenal and we enjoyed moments of tranquillity and warmth, attractive rhythmical themes and playfulness contrasted with instants of mammoth grandeur, strength or unbridled excitement.

This was the final piece for the evening and I am sure that I was not the only one leaving the cathedral with the sounds of Elgar still resounding in my thinking, almost expecting Land of Hope and Glory to be break out into its vaults at any time.

This was indeed a splendid concert well worth attending. It was supported by some excellent programme notes by Jeremy Harmer.

Ely Sinfonia’s next major event to enjoy is their concert Heroism, Harmony and Triumph, featuring Beethoven and Walton on Saturday, 2 May 2026, at 7.30pm also in Ely Cathedral.

For more information, visit elysinfonia.co.uk.